Introducing Michigan's Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program at the School of Natural Resources and Environment

“The University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor saw the birth of the Peace Corps in 1961. Since then, more than 2,100 U-M alumni have served as Peace Corps Volunteers. Now, returned Volunteers will have the option of earning master’s degrees at the university as Peace Corps Fellows. In June, Peace Corps and U-M signed an agreement making U-M the only Fellows/USA program in Michigan.”
—Peace Corps Press Release, July 2007.

Why Join?

Traditionally, our graduate programs attract many returned Peace Corps Volunteers because of the diversity of curriculum offerings and the opportunity to explore one’s interests in more depth towards a professional career. Through this program, our School can provide tuition financial assistance to as many as four Peace Corps Fellows per year.

At our School, Peace Corps Fellows will have opportunities to reinforce and enhance the skills learned in their fieldwork as well as strengthen their focus on environmental issues affecting various populations.

How will this be achieved?

• Student’s field of study curriculum,
• Sharing with and learning from the diversity of experiences of fellow students,
• Learning from and working with outstanding faculty, and
• Taking advantage of the vast intellectual and professional opportunities at the University of Michigan.

As Peace Corps Fellows, we expect you to engage in and/or initiate a student group that best fits your diverse interests. You will add value to the school and local community by sharing experiences and bringing diverse perspectives and passion to a cause. As part of your master’s curriculum, you will select a Project as your capstone/opus option focusing on a local community population. Peace Corps Fellows and their classmates will have opportunities throughout the year to collaborate and contribute academically, socially, and professionally.

How to Apply to the Fellows/USA program:

We will automatically consider you for the Fellows/USA program when you apply online to our MS or MLA programs if you indicate on your Statement of Purpose that you are interested.

During the application review process, potential Peace Corps Fellows will be contacted and offered to complete a separate SNRE Fellows/USA application. SNRE can extend up to 4 Fellows/USA financial awards.

Current volunteers are eligible for application fee waivers. Returning volunteers may be eligible for a fee waiver also; please review Rackham Graduate School details, policy guidelines, and instructions for application fee waivers.

Meet our Current Peace Corps Fellows/USA:

Contact Information:

If you have questions about the application process, please contact:

Adam Ancira 
SNRE Recruiting and Admissions Coordinator

Sondra Auerbach
SNRE Peace Corps Fellows/USA Coordinator
SNRE Director of Academic Programs

Questions about the program? Please see the Peace Corps Fellows/USA website.